Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have secured their spot in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia after defeating Burundi 1-0 in the final round of the African qualifiers on Saturday, January 20, 2024.
The lone goal of the match came in the 73rd minute, when Opeyemi Ajakaye headed in a cross from Chidinma Okeke to break the deadlock at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The Falconets had a slim 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Bujumbura, and needed to avoid a defeat or a high-scoring draw to advance.
The Burundians put up a spirited fight and created some chances, but were denied by the solid defence and the brilliant goalkeeping of Chiamaka Nnadozie, who kept a clean sheet for the hosts.
The Falconets also wasted some opportunities to extend their lead, as they hit the woodwork twice and missed a penalty in the dying minutes.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the players, coaches, and fans, as the Falconets celebrated their qualification for the ninth edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which will take place from August 10 to September 3, 2024, in Colombia.
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Nigeria is the only African country to have participated in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2002, and has reached the final twice, in 2010 and 2014.
The Falconets will be joined by Ghana and Cameroon as the other representatives from Africa, after they eliminated Cape Verde and South Africa respectively in their final round matches.
The draw for the group stage of the World Cup will be held on March 15, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia.